Apptronik to Scale Production of Humanoid Robots

Apptronik has raised $350 million in a Series A funding round led by B Capital and Capital Factory, with participation from Alphabet’s Google, to scale production of its AI-powered humanoid robots.

Apptronik is the developer of a humanoid robot named Apollo, designed to perform supply chain-oriented tasks in warehouses and manufacturing plants. The company plans to expand Apollo’s capabilities to other sectors, including elder care and healthcare.

Apollo stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, and can lift up to 55 pounds. It operates on swappable battery packs, each providing a four-hour runtime, allowing continuous operation with minimal downtime. The robot’s modular design enables it to be mounted on various mobility platforms, enhancing its adaptability across different tasks and environments.

As part of its technology development programs, Apptronik has partnerships with Google DeepMind’s robotics team, a commercial agreement with Mercedes-Benz to pilot Apollo in manufacturing facilities, and GXO Logistics to evaluate Apollo’s performance in warehouse environments.

Apptronik’s customers include businesses in automotive, electronics manufacturing, third-party logistics, beverage bottling, and consumer packaged goods. Founded in 2016 out of the Human Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, Apptronik has developed 15 robotic systems, including NASA’s Valkyrie robot, a humanoid designed for space exploration, particularly to assist in missions to Mars and other extreme environments.

The company, led by CEO Jeff Cardenas, has more than 150 employees and is headquartered in Austin, Texas. According to Mr. Cardenas, 2025 is expected to witness substantial advancements in robotics, similar to the prominence of large language models in 2023.

“We’re building a future where humanoid robots address urgent global challenges,” said Mr. Cardenas. “By combining Apptronik’s cutting-edge robotics platform with the Google DeepMind robotics team’s unparalleled AI expertise, we’re creating intelligent, versatile, and safe robots that will transform industries and improve lives.”

“With Apptronik, we see a world in which humanoid robots play a vital role in addressing societal challenges—from assisting with disaster relief and elder care to supporting space exploration and medical advancements. Industry leaders like Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics are already seeing the real-world impact of Apptronik’s technology,” said Howard Morgan, the general partner of B Capital. “We back the most innovative founders, and there’s no exception here. Jeff and the team are redefining robotics while reshaping our world for the better.”

B Capital invests in seed to late-stage growth opportunities in North America and Asia-based technology, healthcare, and climate tech companies. The firm is headquartered near Los Angeles in Manhattan Beach, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, New York City, Miami, Singapore, Beijing and Hong Kong. In May 2024, BCapital has held a final closing of B Capital Opportunities Fund II LP with $750 million of total capital commitments.

Austin-based Capital Factory makes early-stage (seed, pre-seed, and Series A) investments in software, media, and technology companies across the United States, with a particular emphasis on Texas-based startups.